Logistics - SPRE Summit

LOCATION

We are thrilled to host the SPRE Summit at the McGregor Memorial Conference Center at Wayne State University. We made the choice to host the SPRE Summit here because not only is it a Detroit institution, but also is a big supporter of community driven, community serving spaces, and we are very excited to partner with them. It is a publicly funded university and resources and accommodations are typical of US universities.

We have two room blocks for the conference – Cambria Hotel Downtown Detroit & Doubletree Suites Detroit Downtown – located right next to each other. Wayne State University is located in Midtown Detroit, and the hotel infrastructure for the city is in Downtown Detroit. Since these are different neighborhoods, the hotels are not walkable to the conference venue. Transportation options between the hotels and conference venue will include limited complimentary buses, a short uber/lyft or taxi ride, or a free public transportation ride on Detroit’s Q line.

Hotel Room Block 1

Cambria Hotel Downtown Detroit

600 W Lafayette Blvd
Detroit, Michigan, 48226, US

RESERVATION LINK

SPRE Summit Venue

McGregor Memorial Conference Center – Wayne State University

McGregor Memorial Conference Center
495 Gilmour Mall
Detroit, Michigan, 48202, US

Hotel Room Block 2

Doubletree Suites Detroit Downtown

525 W Lafayette Blvd
Detroit, Michigan, 48266, US

RESERVATION LINK

SCHEDULE

Tuesday, October 24th

Start Time	End Time	Activity
12:00 PM	4:00 PM	Registration / Check In
1:00 PM	4:00 PM	SPRE Tour – Separate Registration Required (Opportunity 1)
4:30 PM	6:30 PM	Opening Reception

Wednesday, October 25th

Start Time	End Time	Activity
7:30 AM	8:45 AM	Grab & Go Breakfast
9:00 AM	10:00 AM	Opening Plenary Session
10:30 AM	12:00 PM	Workshop Session 1
12:15 PM	1:30 PM	Lunch – Expert Led Roundtables
1:45 PM	3:15 PM	Workshop Session 2	OR SPRE Tour – Separate Registration Required (Opportunity 2)
3:30 PM	5:00 PM	Workshop Session 3
6:30 PM	8:00 PM	Dine-Around Dinner

Thursday, October 26th

Start Time	End Time	Activity
8:00 AM	8:45 AM	Grab & Go Breakfast
9:00 AM	10:30 AM	Workshop Session 4
10:45 AM	12:15 PM	Workshop Session 5
12:30 PM	1:30 PM	Closing Plenary Session & Lunch

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The conference venue (McGregor Memorial Conference Center at Wayne State University) is in the Midtown neighborhood, and the hotel infrastructure for the city and where the room blocks are (Cambria Hotel Downtown Detroit & Doubletree Suites Detroit Downtown) are in the Downtown area. Since these are different neighborhoods, the conference venue is not walkable to the hotels. Transportation options between the hotels and conference venue will include limited complimentary buses, a short uber/lyft or taxi ride, or a free public transportation ride on Detroit’s Q line. It is less than a 10-minute drive between the locations.

Yes, registration includes appetizers at Tuesday evening’s Opening Reception, then both breakfast and lunch on Wednesday and Thursday. Breakfasts will be “grab and go” style. Lunch on Wednesday will be a boxed lunch.

Yes, there is a parking structure located at 450 W. Palmer, Detroit, MI 48202, across from WSU Law School. It is called Parking Structure 1. The structure is located near the cross streets of Cass Ave. and Palmer Ave., actually located on Palmer Ave., and is the closest parking available. Parking is self-paid by attendees and is $10/day. Please use Gate 3 for entry.

You’ll be able to ‘favorite’ whichever sessions you’re most excited about in the Whova event app beforehand, but you won’t need to register. Attendance for sessions will be first come, first serve.

Wayne State is a Detroit institution and a big supporter of community spaces and community development. It is a publicly funded university and resources and accommodations are typical of US universities. The McGregor Memorial Conference Center at Wayne State University was built in 1958 and is the work of world-renowned architect Minoru Yamasaki. It might not be what you think of for your traditional conference venue and is a bit more classroom like as a university space.

Registration/check in will be from 12:00pm-4:00pm on Tuesday, 10/24 at both SPRE Summit hotels – Cambria Hotel Downtown Detroit & Doubletree Suites Detroit Downtown. There will also be an opportunity from 7:30am-8:45am on Wednesday, 10/25 at the conference venue – McGregor Memorial Conference Center. Please be sure to check in to receive your name badge and materials.

No. In an effort to be as paperless as possible, we will be using the Whova app for all session information and conference details. However, if you are struggling with the Whova app and would like a printed agenda, please ask at the registration desk where there will be limited copies.

Yes, there is a gender neutral bathroom next to the Community Arts Auditorium to the right of the main doors, and additional gender neutral bathrooms in the Wayne State University Student Center (2 minute walk from the conference venue) on every floor.

Yes, conference room A in McGregor Memorial Conference Center can be used for a quiet area, area for phone calls. etc.

Yes, the gender neutral bathroom located next to the Community Arts Auditorium to the right of the main doors can be used as a nursing room. There is also a dedicated nursing room on the third floor of the Wayne State University Student Center (2 minute walk from the conference venue), just across from the center stairs, near the prayer room. Conference room A in McGregor Memorial Conference Center can also be used, as it is a quiet area, but does not have any privacy.

Yes, it is. There is an elevator in the McGregor Memorial Conference Center as well, towards the middle of the building. There is ADA parking on the first floor of the parking structures as well.

In the Whova app, please click “Messages” in the bottom right corner and message conference organizer “Allison Hensley” by searching for her name in the list of attendees. You can also always visit the registration desk located in the atrium of McGregor Memorial Conference Center.

We want everyone to feel comfortable and be themselves at the conference in what they wear, while still being appropriate and respectful of others. Business casual attire is the general recommendation.

Not officially, though conference room A in McGregor Memorial Conference Center can be used to store your luggage if necessary. This room will be unmonitored and conference organizers are not responsible for lost or stolen belongings. We encourage attendees to inquire regarding their hotel’s luggage check if at all possible.

The main registration desk at McGregor Memorial Conference Center is where the lost and found will be located. You can also always email info@nonprofitcenters.org for “lost and found” help.

We encourage everyone to make the best decision for themselves regarding reducing their personal risk of getting sick. Although we will not be requiring proof of vaccination, the conference will be very mask-friendly and we will have masks available if attendees would like one. We also encourage everyone to test prior to attending to reduce the risk of getting others sick. We will also have a handful of tests available if you develop COVID-like symptoms or are concerned about exposure; inquire at the check-in table or to conference organizers in the Whova app.